Method and system for collaborative and private sessions

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of a method and system for collaborative and private sessions are disclosed. A cursor movement request may be received from at least two users of a plurality of users of a collaborative session during a time period. The cursor may move on a common interface according to the cursor movement request from a first user selected from the at least two users that has satisfied a movement criterion. A completion criterion and a private session parameter may be designated for a private session. A number of user interactions may be processed from a participant of the private session. The private shopping session may be terminated for the participant when the completion criterion is satisfied.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present application relates generally to the field of dataprocessing and, in one specific example, to a method and system forconducting collaborative and private shopping sessions.

BACKGROUND

Internet users tend to browse the world-wide web singularly for items ofinterest for possible purchase. These users may send e-mails to othersregarding the items of interest and purchases made during these shoppingsessions. On occasion, the users are provided with a coupon, discount,or other incentive to make a purchase during a shopping session.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Some embodiments are illustrated by way of example and not limitation inthe figures of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a network diagram depicting a network system, according to oneembodiment, having a client server architecture configured forexchanging data over a network;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example embodiment of multiplenetwork and marketplace applications, which are provided as part of thenetwork-based marketplace;

FIG. 3A is a high-level entity-relationship diagram, in accordance withone example embodiment, illustrating various tables that may bemaintained within one or more databases;

FIG. 3B is an example embodiment of a funding application;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method for conducting a shoppingsession according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method for conducting acollaborative session according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing a userinteraction according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing a browsingrequest according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing a navigationrequest according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing a navigationrequest according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing an executionrequest according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing a fundingspecification request according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing a joint fundestablishment request according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing an orderrequest according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for processing completedorder information according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method for conducting a sidesession according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method for conducting acollaborative session according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for designating sessionparameters according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for conducting a privatesession according to an example embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method for creating a sessionaccording to an example embodiment; and

FIG. 20 is a block diagram diagrammatic representation of machine in theexample form of a computer system within which a set of instructions,for causing the machine to perform any one or more of the methodologiesdiscussed herein, may be executed.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Example methods and systems for collaborative and private sessions aredescribed. In the following description, for purposes of explanation,numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of example embodiments. It will be evident, however, toone skilled in the art that the present invention may be practicedwithout these specific details

In an example embodiment, a plurality of users may be associated with acollaborative shopping session. The collaborative shopping session mayinclude sharing of a common interface for shopping by the plurality ofusers. A cursor movement request may be received from at least two usersof the plurality of users during a time period to move a cursor on thecommon interface during the collaborative shopping session. The cursormay be moved on the common interface according to the cursor movementrequest from a first user selected from the at least two users who hassatisfied at least one movement criterion. An item may be selected onthe common interface that is identified through movement of the cursor.An order request may be received for the item during the collaborativeshopping session. The order request may be processed for the item.

In an example embodiment, a plurality of users may be associated with acollaborative session. The collaborative session may include sharing ofa common interface for interaction between the plurality of users. Acursor movement request may be received from at least two users of theplurality of users during a time period. The cursor movement request maybe to move a cursor of each of the at least two users on the commoninterface during the collaborative shopping session. The cursor of theat least two users may be distinguished on the common interface duringthe time period. The cursor may be moved by each of the at least twousers on the common interface during the time period according to thecursor movement request.

In an example embodiment, a plurality of users may be associated with acollaborative shopping session. The collaborative shopping sessionincluding sharing of a common interface for shopping by the plurality ofusers. A primary account may be designated as being ultimatelyresponsible for providing value in exchange for an item purchased withan order request during the collaborative shopping session. The primaryaccount may be associated with at least one of the plurality of users.The order request may be received for the item. The order request may beprocessed for the item against the account.

In an example embodiment, a participant may be associated with a privateshopping session. The private shopping session may include a session inwhich the participant has at least one of special access to an item oraccess to the item at a special price. A completion criterion may bedesignated for the private shopping session. A private session parametermay be designated for the private shopping session. A number of userinteractions may be processed from the participant. The private shoppingsession may be terminated for the participant when the completioncriterion is satisfied.

In an example embodiment, a primary participant may be selected for acollaborative shopping session. The collaborative shopping session mayinclude sharing of a common interface for shopping by a plurality ofusers. A completion criteria may be designated for the collaborativeshopping session. A secondary participant may be associated with thecollaborative shopping session. A number of user interactions may beprocessed from at least one of the primary participant or the secondaryparticipant. The secondary participant may be removed from thecollaborative shopping session when completion criterion is satisfied.

FIG. 1 is a network diagram depicting a client-server system 100, withinwhich one example embodiment may be deployed. A networked system 102, inthe example forms of a network-based marketplace or publication system,provides server-side functionality, via a network 104 (e.g., theInternet or Wide Area Network (WAN)) to one or more clients. FIG. 1illustrates, for example, a web client 106 (e.g., a browser, such as theInternet Explorer browser developed by Microsoft Corporation of Redmond,Wash. State), and a programmatic client 108 executing on respectiveclient machines 110 and 112.

An Application Program Interface (API) server 114 and a web server 116are coupled to, and provide programmatic and web interfaces respectivelyto, one or more application servers 118. The application servers 118host one or more marketplace applications 120 and payment applications122. The application servers 118 are, in turn, shown to be coupled toone or more database servers 124 that facilitate access to one or moredatabases 126.

The marketplace applications 120 may provide a number of marketplacefunctions and services to users that access the networked system 102.The payment applications 122 may likewise provide a number of paymentservices and functions to users. The payment applications 122 may allowusers to accumulate value (e.g., in a commercial currency, such as theU.S. dollar, or a proprietary currency, such as “points”) in accounts,and then later to redeem the accumulated value for products (e.g., goodsor services) that are made available via the marketplace applications120. While the marketplace and payment applications 120 and 122 areshown in FIG. 1 to both form part of the networked system 102, it willbe appreciated that, in alternative embodiments, the paymentapplications 122 may form part of a payment service that is separate anddistinct from the networked system 102.

Further, while the system 100 shown in FIG. 1 employs a client-serverarchitecture, the present invention is of course not limited to such anarchitecture, and could equally well find application in a distributed,or peer-to-peer, architecture system, for example. The variousmarketplace and payment applications 120 and 122 could also beimplemented as standalone software programs, which do not necessarilyhave networking capabilities.

The web client 106 accesses the various marketplace and paymentapplications 120 and 122 via the web interface supported by the webserver 116. Similarly, the programmatic client 108 accesses the variousservices and functions provided by the marketplace and paymentapplications 120 and 122 via the programmatic interface provided by theAPI server 114. The programmatic client 108 may, for example, be aseller application (e.g., the TurboLister application developed by eBayInc., of San Jose, Calif.) to enable sellers to author and managelistings on the networked system 102 in an off-line manner, and toperform batch-mode communications between the programmatic client 108and the networked system 102.

FIG. 1 also illustrates a third party application 128, executing on athird party server machine 130, as having programmatic access to thenetworked system 102 via the programmatic interface provided by the APIserver 114. For example, the third party application 128 may, utilizinginformation retrieved from the networked system 102, support one or morefeatures or functions on a website hosted by the third party. The thirdparty website may, for example, provide one or more promotional,marketplace or payment functions that are supported by the relevantapplications of the networked system 102.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating multiple applications 120 and 122that, in one example embodiment, are provided as part of the networkedsystem 102 (see FIG. 1). The applications 120 may be hosted on dedicatedor shared server machines (not shown) that are communicatively coupledto enable communications between server machines. The applicationsthemselves are communicatively coupled (e.g., via appropriateinterfaces) to each other and to various data sources, so as to allowinformation to be passed between the applications or so as to allow theapplications to share and access common data. The applications mayfurthermore access one or more databases 126 via the database servers124.

The networked system 102 may provide a number of publishing, listing andprice-setting mechanisms whereby a seller may list (or publishinformation concerning) goods or services for sale, a buyer can expressinterest in or indicate a desire to purchase such goods or services, anda price can be set for a transaction pertaining to the goods orservices. To this end, the marketplace applications 120 are shown toinclude at least one publication application 200 and one or more auctionapplications 202 which support auction-format listing and price settingmechanisms (e.g., English, Dutch, Vickrey, Chinese, Double, Reverseauctions etc.). The various auction applications 202 may also provide anumber of features in support of such auction-format listings, such as areserve price feature whereby a seller may specify a reserve price inconnection with a listing and a proxy-bidding feature whereby a biddermay invoke automated proxy bidding.

A number of fixed-price applications 204 support fixed-price listingformats (e.g., the traditional classified advertisement-type listing ora catalogue listing) and buyout-type listings. Specifically, buyout-typelistings (e.g., including the Buy-It-Now (BIN) technology developed byeBay Inc., of San Jose, Calif.) may be offered in conjunction withauction-format listings, and allow a buyer to purchase goods orservices, which are also being offered for sale via an auction, for afixed-price that is typically higher than the starting price of theauction.

Store applications 206 allow a seller to group listings within a“virtual” store, which may be branded and otherwise personalized by andfor the seller. Such a virtual store may also offer promotions,incentives and features that are specific and personalized to a relevantseller.

Reputation applications 208 allow users that transact, utilizing thenetworked system 102, to establish, build and maintain reputations,which may be made available and published to potential trading partners.Consider that where, for example, the networked system 102 supportsperson-to-person trading, users may otherwise have no history or otherreference information whereby the trustworthiness and credibility ofpotential trading partners may be assessed. The reputation applications208 allow a user, for example through feedback provided by othertransaction partners, to establish a reputation within the networkedsystem 102 over time. Other potential trading partners may thenreference such a reputation for the purposes of assessing credibilityand trustworthiness.

Personalization applications 210 allow users of the networked system 102to personalize various aspects of their interactions with the networkedsystem 102. For example a user may, utilizing an appropriatepersonalization application 210, create a personalized reference page atwhich information regarding transactions to which the user is (or hasbeen) a party may be viewed. Further, a personalization application 210may enable a user to personalize listings and other aspects of theirinteractions with the networked system 102 and other parties.

The networked system 102 may support a number of marketplaces that arecustomized, for example, for specific geographic regions. A version ofthe networked system 102 may be customized for the United Kingdom,whereas another version of the networked system 102 may be customizedfor the United States. Each of these versions may operate as anindependent marketplace, or may be customized (or internationalizedand/or localized) presentations of a common underlying marketplace. Thenetworked system 102 may accordingly include a number ofinternationalization applications 212 that customize information (and/orthe presentation of information) by the networked system 102 accordingto predetermined criteria (e.g., geographic, demographic or marketplacecriteria). For example, the internationalization applications 212 may beused to support the customization of information for a number ofregional websites that are operated by the networked system 102 and thatare accessible via respective web servers 116.

Navigation of the networked system 102 may be facilitated by one or morenavigation applications 214. For example, a search application (as anexample of a navigation application) may enable key word searches oflistings published via the networked system 102. A browse applicationmay allow users to browse various category, catalogue, or systeminventory structures according to which listings may be classifiedwithin the networked system 102. Various other navigation applicationsmay be provided to supplement the search and browsing applications.

In order to make listings, available via the networked system 102, asvisually informing and attractive as possible, the marketplaceapplications 120 may include one or more imaging applications 216utilizing which users may upload images for inclusion within listings.An imaging application 216 also operates to incorporate images withinviewed listings. The imaging applications 216 may also support one ormore promotional features, such as image galleries that are presented topotential buyers. For example, sellers may pay an additional fee to havean image included within a gallery of images for promoted items.

Listing creation applications 218 allow sellers conveniently to authorlistings pertaining to goods or services that they wish to transact viathe networked system 102, and listing management applications 220 allowsellers to manage such listings. Specifically, where a particular sellerhas authored and/or published a large number of listings, the managementof such listings may present a challenge. The listing managementapplications 220 provide a number of features (e.g., auto-relisting,inventory level monitors, etc.) to assist the seller in managing suchlistings. One or more post-listing management applications 222 alsoassist sellers with a number of activities that typically occurpost-listing. For example, upon completion of an auction facilitated byone or more auction applications 202, a seller may wish to leavefeedback regarding a particular buyer. To this end, a post-listingmanagement application 222 may provide an interface to one or morereputation applications 208, so as to allow the seller conveniently toprovide feedback regarding multiple buyers to the reputationapplications 208.

Dispute resolution applications 224 provide mechanisms whereby disputesarising between transacting parties may be resolved. For example, thedispute resolution applications 224 may provide guided procedureswhereby the parties are guided through a number of steps in an attemptto settle a dispute. In the event that the dispute cannot be settled viathe guided procedures, the dispute may be escalated to a third partymediator or arbitrator.

A number of fraud prevention applications 226 implement fraud detectionand prevention mechanisms to reduce the occurrence of fraud within thenetworked system 102.

Messaging applications 228 are responsible for the generation anddelivery of messages to users of the networked system 102, such messagesfor example advising users regarding the status of listings at thenetworked system 102 (e.g., providing “outbid” notices to bidders duringan auction process or to provide promotional and merchandisinginformation to users). Respective messaging applications 228 may utilizeany one have a number of message delivery networks and platforms todeliver messages to users. For example, messaging applications 228 maydeliver electronic mail (e-mail), instant message (IM), Short MessageService (SMS), text, facsimile, or voice (e.g., Voice over IP (VoIP))messages via the wired (e.g., the Internet), Plain Old Telephone Service(POTS), or wireless (e.g., mobile, cellular, WiFi, WiMAX) networks.

Merchandising applications 230 support various merchandising functionsthat are made available to sellers to enable sellers to increase salesvia the networked system 102. The merchandising applications 230 alsooperate the various merchandising features that may be invoked bysellers, and may monitor and track the success of merchandisingstrategies employed by sellers.

The networked system 102 itself, or one or more parties that transactvia the networked system 102, may operate loyalty programs that aresupported by one or more loyalty/promotions applications 232. Forexample, a buyer may earn loyalty or promotions points for eachtransaction established and/or concluded with a particular seller, andbe offered a reward for which accumulated loyalty points can beredeemed.

Shopping session applications 234 support various shopping sessions(e.g., private shopping sessions, collaborative shopping sessions, sideshopping sessions, and individual browsing sessions) within thenetworked system 102. For example, a user may shop with other usersduring a collaborative shopping session or receive special offers foritems during a private shopping session.

Funding applications 236 support funding of items that are bid-on and/orpurchased. For example, the funding applications may receive value froma number of users to make a purchase of an item (e.g., during a shoppingsession).

FIG. 3A is a high-level entity-relationship diagram, illustratingvarious tables 300 that may be maintained within the databases 131, andthat are utilized by and support the applications 120 and 122 (see FIG.1). A user table 302 contains a record for each registered user of thenetworked system 102, and may include identifier, address and financialinstrument information pertaining to each such registered user. A usermay operate as a seller, a buyer, or both, within the networked system102. In one example embodiment, a buyer may be a user that hasaccumulated value (e.g., commercial or proprietary currency), and isaccordingly able to exchange the accumulated value for items (e.g.,products and/or services) that are offered for sale by the networkedsystem 102.

The tables 300 also include an items table 304 in which are maintaineditem records for goods and services that are available to be, or havebeen, transacted via the networked system 102. Each item record withinthe items table 304 may furthermore be linked to one or more userrecords within the user table 302, so as to associate a seller and oneor more actual or potential buyers with each item record.

A transaction table 306 contains a record for each transaction (e.g., apurchase or sale transaction) pertaining to items for which recordsexist within the items table 304.

An order table 308 is populated with order records, each order recordbeing associated with an order for a good and/or service. Each order, inturn, may be with respect to one or more transactions for which recordsexist within the transaction table 306.

Bid records within a bids table 310 each relate to a bid received at thenetworked system 102 in connection with an auction-format listingsupported by an auction application 202. A feedback table 312 isutilized by one or more reputation applications 208, in one exampleembodiment, to construct and maintain reputation information concerningusers.

A history table 314 maintains a history of transactions to which a userhas been a party. The transactions may include those pertaining to itemsfor which records exist within the items table 304 and for items withwhich no records exist within the items table 304 (e.g., for whichpayment services and functions of the payment application 122 were usedwithout the marketplace application 120).

One or more attribute tables 316 record attribute information pertainingto items for which records exist within the items table 304. Consideringonly a single example of such an attribute, the attribute tables 316 mayindicate a currency attribute associated with a particular item, thecurrency attribute identifying the currency of a price for the relevantitem as specified in by a seller.

A session table 318 may include session records regarding sessionhistory (e.g., a history of shopping sessions). The session table mayinclude a history of past areas (e.g., stores and/or sellers) visitedduring sessions within the networked system.

Referring to FIG. 3B, an example funding application 236 (see FIG. 2) isillustrated. The funding application 236 may include one or more fundingspecification request modules 352, one or more payment sourcedesignation modules 354, and/or one or more payment processing modules356.

The funding specification request module 352 (e.g., a first module) maybe configured to receive a funding specification request. The fundingspecification request may specify a plurality of payment sources to beused to pay for a selection of value in the networked system 102 (seeFIG. 1).

The payment source designation module 354 (e.g., a second module) may beconfigured to select from the funding specification request a paymentallocation designating a first payment source of the plurality ofsources. The payment allocation may be an allocation of a percentage ofvalue to be provided by a plurality of users to pay the selection ofvalue purchased through use of the networked system. The payment sourcedesignation module 354 may be configured to select from the fundingspecification request a designation of a user account from among theplurality of user accounts as a primary account. The primary account maybe a second payment source of the plurality of sources. The primaryaccount may be ultimately responsible for providing the value due forthe selection of value.

The payment processing module 356 (e.g., a third module) may beconfigured to process a payment for the value due from the first paymentsource and process an additional payment from the second payment sourcewhen the payment does not satisfy the value due for the selection of thevalue.

Referring to FIG. 4, a method 400 for conducting a shopping session isillustrated. In an example embodiment, the method 400 may be performedby the shopping session application 234 (see FIG. 2).

A shopping session request may be accessed at block 402. For example,the shopping session request may be received by the shopping sessionapplication 244 for a collaborative shopping session, a private shoppingsession, an individual shopping session, or a side shopping session.

A determination may be made at decision block 404 as to whether acollaborative shopping request has been received. If a collaborativeshopping session request has been received, a collaborative shoppingsession may be conducted at block 406. For example, the collaborativeshopping session may include sharing of a common interface for shoppingby the plurality of users (e.g., as may be displayed on a computersystem of each user). An example embodiment of conducting acollaborative session is described in greater detail below. If acollaborative shopping session request has not been received at decisionblock 404, the method 400 may proceed to decision block 408.

At decision block 408, a determination may be made as to whether aprivate shopping request has been received. If a private shoppingsession request has been received, a private shopping session may beconducted at block 410. For example, the private shopping session mayinclude a shopping session in which one or more participants each havespecial access to one or more items and/or access to one or more itemsat a special price (e.g., at a discount or free). An example embodimentof conducting a private session is described in greater detail below. Ifa private shopping session request has not been received at decisionblock 408, the method 400 may proceed to decision block 412.

A determination may be made at decision block 412 as to whether arequest to access session history has been received. If a request toaccess session history has been received, the session history may beaccessed at block 414. For example, a user may access a history of aprivate shopping session, a collaborative shopping session, a sideshopping session, and/or an individual shopping session from the sessiontable 318 (see FIG. 3A). In an example embodiment, in response toreceiving a request for a session record of a session (e.g., thecollaborative shopping session), a location of a past area visitedwithin the networked system 102 during the session as contained in asession record of the session table 318 may be provided through a commoninterface and/or an individual interface (e.g., an interface not sharedwith another user at a same time during a session).

If a request to access the session history has not been received atdecision block 412, an individual shopping session may be conducted atblock 416. For example, the individual shopping session may include auser participating in a shopping session using the individual interface.Upon completion of the operations at block 406, block 410, block 414, orblock 416 the method 400 may proceed to decision block 418.

A determination may be made at decision block 418 as to whether anothershopping request will be made. If another shopping request will be made,the method 400 may return to block 402. If another shopping request willnot be made at decision block 418, the method 400 may terminate.

Referring to FIG. 5, a method 500 for conducting a collaborative session(e.g., a collaborative shopping session) according to an exampleembodiment is illustrated. In an example embodiment, the method 500 maybe performed at block 406 (see FIG. 4) and/or by the shopping sessionapplication 234 (see FIG. 2).

A collaborative session (e.g., a collaborative shopping session) may beinitiated at block 502. For example, the collaborative session may beinitiated by a first user of the networked system 102. In an exampleembodiment, initiating the collaborative session may include defining amerge criterion for a side session and/or a completion criterion for thecollaborative session. The use of the merge criterion for the sidesession and the completion criterion is described in greater detailbelow.

A plurality of users (e.g., two or more users) may be associated withthe collaborative session at block 504. For example, a first user mayselect one or more other users to participate with the first user in thecollaborative session and the selections may be provided to the shoppingsession application 234 for association. The others user may beindicated as being available (e.g., by use of a different icon, changingcolors of an icon, and the like) for the collaborative session to thefirst user by the networked system 102 (see FIG. 1). A number of usersmay join a collaborative session (e.g., at a set start time or in anongoing manner) using a special password. The users may be imported froma user list (e.g., from Skype by Skype Limited) or a contact list (e.g.,from Microsoft Outlook by Microsoft Corporation) of another application.Other associations of users with the collaborative session at theinitiation of the collaborative session or during the conducting of thecollaborative session may also be used.

A determination may be made at decision block 506 as to whetherauthority levels may be assigned to the plurality of users of thecollaborative session. If a determination is made to assign theauthority levels, the authority levels may be assigned to the pluralityof users associated with the collaborative session at block 508. Theauthority levels may indicate whether any of the users of thecollaborative session having a greater and/or varying level of authorityto perform some session interactions when another user is also seeks toperform session interactions. The use of the authority levels during acollaborative session is described in greater detail below. If adetermination is made not to assign authority levels at decision block506 or upon completion of the operations at block 508, the method 500may proceed to decision block 510.

In an example embodiment, a threshold authority level may be assigned tothe collaborative session for making an execution request at block 508.For example, users participating in the collaborative session that donot meet the threshold authority level of the collaborative session maynot be able to make executions but may otherwise participate in thecollaborative session. The use of authority levels with executionrequests is described in greater detail below.

In an example embodiment, the users of the collaborative session may beprovided with a default authority level. For example, the user thatrequested the collaborative session may have a higher authority levelthan the remaining users of the collaborative session. Other defaultauthority levels may also be used.

A determination may be made at decision block 510 whether to issue afunding notification. For example, the funding notification may providenotice that value may be associated with the collaborative shoppingsession from at least one user of the collaborative session (e.g., arequest for value from one or more users), value has been associatedwith the collaborative session (e.g., sufficient value to start thecollaborative session) through a user account (e.g., a primary account)and/or a joint fund (e.g., value pooled from a number of users of asession), and the like. If a determination is made to issue the fundingnotification, the funding notification may be issued (e.g., to theplurality of users of the collaborative session) at block 512. If adetermination is made at decision block 510 not to issue the fundingnotification or upon completion of the operations at block 512, themethod 500 may proceed to block 514.

One or more users interactions may be processed from among users (e.g.,participants) associated with the collaborative session at block 514. Anexample embodiment of processing the user interactions is described ingreater detail below.

A determination may be made at decision block 516 whether to conduct aside session. If a determination is made to conduct a side session atdecision block 516, the side session may be conducted at block 518. Auser participating in a side browsing session may continue to be part ofthe collaborative session or may temporarily disengage from thecollaborative session while engaged in the side session. For example,the collaborative session may continue to operate for the plurality ofusers during operation of the side session for the user participating inthe side browsing session. An example embodiment of conducting a sidesession is described in greater detail below.

If a determination is made not to conduct the side browsing session atdecision block 516 or upon completion (and/or initiation) of theoperations at block 518, the method 500 may proceed to decision block520.

At decision block 520, a determination may be made whether to modify theusers associated with the collaborative session. For example, a user(e.g., a participant) may be added to or removed from the collaborativesession. If a determination is made to modify the users associated withthe collaborative session, the users associated with this session may bemodified at block 522. If a determination is not to modify theassociated users with the collaborative session at decision block 520 orupon completion of the operations at block 522, the method 500 mayproceed to decision block 524.

At decision block 524, a determination may be made whether to terminatethe collaborative session. For example, the collaborative session may beterminated when a completion criterion is met (e.g., when the pluralityof users or a user with the highest authority levels the collaborativesession). If a determination is made not to terminate the collaborativesession, the method 500 may return to decision block 506. If adetermination is made to terminate the collaborative session, the method500 may terminate.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method 600 for processing a user interactionaccording to an example embodiment is illustrated. In an exampleembodiment, the method 600 may be performed at block 514 (see FIG. 5).

One or more user interactions may be received (e.g., during a timeperiod) at block 602. For example, the user interaction may be acommunication provided by a user to the shopping session application 234(see FIG. 2).

At decision block 604, a determination may be made as to whether one ormore browsing requests have been received. If a browsing request hasbeen received, the browsing request may be processed (e.g., to obtaincontent) at block 606. An example embodiment of processing a browsingrequest is described in greater detail below. If a browsing request hasnot been received at decision block 604 or after completion of theoperations at block 606, the method 600 may proceed to decision block608.

A determination may be made at decision block 608 as to whether one ormore communications (e.g., from the plurality of users) have beenreceived. If a communication has been received from a source user amongthe plurality of users, the communication may be delivered to one ormore targets users among the plurality of users at block 610. Forexample, the communication may be delivered by instant message (e.g., byAOL Instant Messenger from AOL, LLC), voice communication (e.g., bySKYPE from Skype Limited), text messaging, and the like. If acommunication has not received at decision block 608 or after completionof the operations at block 610, the method 600 may proceed to decisionblock 612.

At decision block 612, a determination may be made as to whether thereis a further user interaction. If there is a further user interaction,the method 600 may return to block 602. If there is no further userinteraction at decision block 618, the method 600 may terminate.

Referring to FIG. 7, the method for processing a browsing requestaccording to an example embodiment is illustrated. In an exampleembodiment, the operations of the method 700 may be performed at block606 (see FIG. 6).

One or more browsing requests may be received from one or more users(e.g., participants) of a collaborative session at block 702. Forexample, the browsing requests may include a cursor movement request, anindication request, an execution request, an account specificationrequest, an order request, and the like.

A determination may be made at decision block 704 whether one or morenavigation requests (e.g., a request by a participant to navigate on acommon interface of the collaborative session) have been received. If anavigation request has been received, the navigation request may beprocessed at block 706. An example embodiment of processing thenavigation request is described in greater detail below. If the cursormovement request has not been received at decision block 704 or aftercompleting the operations at block 706, the method may proceed todecision block 708.

At decision block 708, a determination may be made as to whether one ormore indication requests (e.g., a request by a participant to make anindication on a screen of a collaborative session) have been received.If an indication request has been received (e.g., from a first usermaking the cursor movement or a second user), the indication request maybe processed at block 710 to make the indication on the commoninterface. For example, an indication requested by the indicationrequest may be a marking (e.g., a circle or square), a notation (e.g.,text or pictures), a selection (e.g., of one or more options from anumber of available options), or the like on the common interface of thecollaborative session. The indication may be for display only on thescreen or may be processed (e.g., by the shopping session application234) during an execution request. A method of processing the indicationrequest is described in greater detail below. If an indication requesthas not been received at decision block 708 or after completion of theoperations at block 710, the method 700 may proceed to decision block712.

In an example embodiment, if each of the participants of the sessionhave their own cursor to control, each participant may be able toprovide indications (e.g., markings or notations) during thecollaborative session. When each of the participants of the sessionshare a cursor, each of the participants may be limited to providingindications (or a certain type of indications such as markings) onlywhen the participant has shared cursor control (e.g., control of ashared cursor) during the collaborative session.

A determination may be made at decision block 712 as to whether one ormore execution requests have been received (e.g., whether the browserrequest is an execution request). If an execution request (e.g., arequest by a participant to process indications) has been received, theexecution request may be processed at block 714. An example embodimentof processing the execution request is described in greater detailbelow. If the execution request has not been received at decision block712 or upon completion of the operations at block 714, the method 700may proceed to decision block 716.

At decision block 716, a determination may be made as to whether one ormore funding specification requests have been received (e.g., whetherthe browser request is a funding specification request). If a fundingspecification request has been received, the funding specificationrequest may be processed at block 718. An example embodiment ofprocessing the funding specification request is described in greaterdetail below. If a funding specification request has not be received atdecision block 716 or upon completion of the operations at block 718,the method 700 may proceed to decision block 720.

A determination may be made at decision block 720 as to whether one ormore order requests have been received (e.g., whether the browserrequest is an order request). If an order request has been received, theorder request (e.g., a request by a participant to order one or moreitems during a collaborative shopping session) may be processed at block722. If an order request has not been received at decision block 720 orupon completion of the operations at block 722, the method 700 mayproceed to decision block 724.

A determination may be made at decision block 724 whether a joint fundestablishment request has been received (e.g., whether the browserrequest is a joint fund establishment request). If a joint fundestablishment request has been received, the joint fund establishmentrequest may be processed at block 726. An example embodiment ofprocessing the joint fund establishment request is described in greaterdetail below. If a joint fund establishment request has not beenreceived at decision block 724 or upon completion of the operations atblock 726, the method 700 may proceed to decision block 728.

At decision block 728, a determination may be made as to whether one ormore additional browser requests have been received. If another browserrequest has been received, the method 700 may return to block 702. Ifanother browser request has not been received at decision block 724, themethod 700 may terminate.

Referring to FIG. 8, a method 800 for processing a navigation requestaccording to an example embodiment is illustrated. In an exampleembodiment, the method 800 may be performed at block 706 (see FIG. 7).For example, the method 800 may be performed when the collaborativesession uses a single cursor that is subject to movement by allparticipants of the collaborative session.

One or more cursor movement requests may be received during a timeperiod from among a plurality of users at block 802. The time period mayaccommodate a single cursor movement from a user (e.g., a second or aportion of a second in duration) or may be of a sufficient amount (e.g.,a variable or fixed amount) to accommodate multiple cursor movementsfrom a single user.

A determination may be made at decision block 804 as to whether cursormovement requests have been received from more than one user. If cursormovement requests have not been received from more than one user duringthe time period, the movements requested by the movement request of theuser may be performed at block 816.

If a determination is made that the cursor movement requests have beenreceived from more than one user (e.g., at least two users of theplurality of users) during the time period at decision block 804, theauthority levels for the at least two users making the movement requestsmay be accessed at block 806. In an example embodiment, the authoritylevels for the at least two users may be assigned during the operationsat block 508 (see FIG. 5) and/or accessed for all users of thecollaborative session at block 806.

At decision block 808, a determination may be made as to whether any ofthe at least two users of the collaborative session making the movementrequest has a highest authority level. If a user making a movementrequest has a highest authority level, one or more cursor movements(e.g., from the movement request) from the user with the highestauthority level may be performed (e.g., by moving the cursor) at block816. If a user does not have a highest authority level, the method 800may proceed to decision block 810.

A determination may be made at decision block 810 as to any of the atleast two users of the collaborative session making the movement requestis a last user to have movement processed during the collaborativesession. If a user among at least two users of the collaborative sessionmaking a movement request is a last user to have movement processed, theone or more cursor movements of the last user may be performed at block816.

If one of the at least two users of the collaborative session making themovement request is not a last user to have a movement processed atdecision block 810, cursor control notification may be sent to the atleast two users at block 812. For example, cursor control notificationmay be a request sent to the at least two users making movement requeststo enable a selection of a user for movement processing. For example, asecond user making a movement request may designate a first user makinga movement request to make one or more movements during the time period.

A determination may be made at decision block 814 as to whether controlhas been designated to a user. If control has been designated, themovements from the designated user (e.g., the first user) may beperformed at block 816. In an example embodiment, the cursor may bemoved during the operations of block 816 according to the cursormovement request from a user that has satisfied a highest authoritylevel (e.g., from decision block 808), a last user to have a cursormovement processed (e.g., from decision block 810), and/or controldesignated from another user (e.g., from the decision block 814).

In an example embodiment, the movement criterion determined duringoperations at decision block 808, decision block 810, and decision block814 and may occur in any order.

If control has not been designated at decision block 814 or uponcompletion of the operations at block 816, then method 800 may make adetermination at decision block 818 as to whether further movementrequests are to be received. If one or more further movement requestsare to be received, the method 800 may return to block 802. If one ormore further movement requests are not to be received, the method 800may terminate.

It should be appreciated that other navigation devices beyond a cursormay be used with the method 800, and that the navigation requests mayresult in navigation movement on the common interface.

Referring to FIG. 9, a method for processing a navigation requestaccording to an example embodiment is illustrated. In an exampleembodiment, the method 900 may be performed at block 706 (see FIG. 7).For example, the method 900 may be performed when the collaborativesession enables each of the plurality of users of the collaborativesession to use a separate cursor on a common interface.

One or more cursor movement requests may be received during a timeperiod from among a plurality of users at block 902. The time period mayaccommodate a single cursor movement from a user (e.g., a second or aportion of a second in duration) or may be of a sufficient amount (e.g.,a variable or fixed amount) to accommodate multiple cursor movementsfrom a single user.

A determination may be made at decision block 904 as to whether amovement request has been received from more than one user (e.g., atleast two users of the plurality of users). If a movement request hasbeen received from more than one user, the cursors of the at least twousers making the movement requests may be changed to a distinguishedcursor on the common interface during the time period at block 906. Forexample, the cursors of the at least two users making a cursor requestduring a time period may each have a cursor that is a different colorcursor, a different size cursor, an icon (e.g., an avatar), and the likefrom another cursor.

If movements have not been received from more than one user at decisionblock 904 or upon completion of the operations at block 906, themovements may be performed at block 908.

At decision block 910, a determination may be made as to whether furthermovements are to be accessed. If further movements are to be accessed,the method 900 may return to block 902. If further movements are not tobe accessed at decision block 910, the method 900 may terminate.

It should be appreciated that other navigation devices beyond a cursormay be used with the method 900, and that the navigation requests mayresult in navigation movement on the common interface.

Referring to FIG. 10, a method 1000 for processing an execution requestaccording to an example embodiment is illustrated. In an exampleembodiment, the method 1000 may be performed at block 714 (see FIG. 7).

An execution request from a user of a collaborative session may bereceived at block 1002. For example, the execution request may be arequest to process an indication made on the common interface of thecollaborative session.

The authority level of the user and the threshold authority level forperforming execution requests during the collaborative session may beaccessed at block 1004. For example, the authority levels may be definedduring the operations at block 508 (see FIG. 5).

A determination may be made at decision block 1006 as to whether theuser has met the threshold authority level (e.g., to perform anexecution request during the collaborative session). If the thresholdauthority level has been met, an execution requested by the executionrequest may be performed at block 1008. For example, the execution maybe an order request, a request for an additional screen, a request foradditional information regarding an item, and the like. If the thresholdauthority level has not been met at decision block 1006 or aftercompleting the operations at block 1008, the method 1000 may proceed todecision block 1010.

At decision block 1010, a determination may be made as to whetheranother execution request has been received. If another executionrequest has been received, then method 1000 may return to block 1002. Ifanother execution request has not been received at decision block 1010,the method 1000 may terminate.

Referring to FIG. 11, a method 1100 for processing a fundingspecification request according to an embodiment is illustrated. In anexample embodiment, the method 1100 may be performed at block 718 (seeFIG. 7).

A funding specification request may be received at block 1102. Thefunding specification request may define a plurality of payment sourcesto be used to pay for a selection of value (e.g., an item) in anetworked system. The funding specification request may specify at leastone payment source including a joint fund, a primary account forpayment, and/or a payment allocation.

A determination may be made at decision block 1104 as to whether a jointfund may be associated (e.g., with the collaborative session). The jointfund is value provided by a plurality of users to be applied to apayment due for an item purchased (e.g., during one or morecollaborative shopping sessions). For example, the joint fund mayinclude user provided value to be applied during payment processingbefore other payment sources. The joint fund may optionally beassociated with the joint account. If a determination is made toassociate a joint fund, the joint fund may be associated at block 1106.For example, an existing joint fund may be accessed or a new joint fundmay be established. An example embodiment of establish the joint fund isdescribed in greater detail below. If a determination is made not toassociate a joint fund at decision block 1104 or upon completion of theoperations at block 1106, the method 1100 may proceed to decision block1108.

A determination may be made at decision block 1108 as to whether a userselected primary account designation has been made. For example,designation of a user account as a primary account may provide the oneor more users of the user account with ultimate responsibility forproviding value due for a selection of value (e.g., one or more itemspurchased at a fixed rate or bid on through the collaborative shoppingsession). If a user selected primary account specification has beenmade, a selected user account (e.g., from the users of the collaborativesession) may be designated as the primary account (e.g., ultimatelyresponsible for providing value due) at block 1110.

If a determination is made at decision block 1108 that the user selectedprimary account designation has not been made, the method 1100 mayproceed to decision block 1112 to determine whether a joint accountspecification has been made. If a joint account designation has not tobeen made, a default user account may be designated as a primary accountat block 1114. For example, a default user may be a user that has beenregistered with the networked system 102 (see FIG. 1) for the longestperiod of time, has the greatest amount of accumulated value, or thelike. If the joint account designation has been made at decision block1112, the method 1100 may proceed to decision block 1116.

At decision block 1116, a determination may be made as to whether ajoint account may be created. For example, the joint account may beassociated with more than one user of the plurality of users andultimately responsible for providing value in exchange for one or moreitems purchased through the collaborative session. If a joint account isto be created, a new joint account may be created (e.g., and associatedwith a plurality of users of the collaborative session) at block 1118and the joint account may be designated at block 1120. If the jointaccount is not to be created at decision block 1116, an existing jointaccount may be designated at block 1120. It should be appreciated that ajoint account may be used for one or more sessions.

Upon completion of the operations at block 1110, block 1114, or block1120, the method 1100 may proceed to decision block 1122. Adetermination may be made at decision block 1122 as to whether paymentallocation (e.g., an allocation of an amount of value to be provided bydesignated users for an item purchased or payment) has been received atblock 1102. For example, the payment allocation may include anallocation of a percentage of an amount of value to be provided by aplurality of users to pay for a selection of value (e.g., an item)purchased through use of the networked system 102 for a value due.

If payment allocation has been received, the payment allocation may bedesignated (e.g., for the collaborative session) at block 1124. If adetermination is made at decision block 1122 that the payment allocationhas not been received, a default payment allocation (e.g., equal portionof the designated users of the collaborative session, equal portion forthe plurality of users of the collaborative session, an entire portionby the primary account, or differing portions based on the financialresources of the designated users) may be used for the designatedaccount at block 1126. Upon completion of the operations at block 1124or block 1126, the method 1100 may terminate.

In an example embodiment, a payment allocation designating a paymentsource of the plurality of sources during the operations at bock 1124may be selected from the funding specification request received duringthe operations at block 1102.

In an example embodiment, performance of the method 1100 may providing afunding specification defining one or more payment sources and/orpriority for providing value for a shopping session or other paymentdue.

Referring to FIG. 12, a method 1200 for processing a joint fundestablishment request according to an example embodiment is illustrated.In an example embodiment, the method 1200 may be performed at block 726(see FIG. 7) and/or by the funding application 236 (see FIG. 2).

One or more funding parameters (e.g., for a collaborative shoppingsession) may be accessed at block 1202. The funding parameters mayinclude a value (e.g., a total value from all users or individual valuesfrom specific users) to be requested of users of the collaborativesession, a value desired to start a session (e.g., a collaborationshopping session), and the like.

A payment allocation may optionally be accessed at block 1204. Forexample, the payment allocation may be received at block 1102 (see FIG.11).

A value may be requested from the users of the session at block 1206.For example, the value may be requested from the users of the sessionaccording to the funding parameters and/or the accessed paymentallocation.

A determination may be made at decision block 1208 as to whether value(e.g., one or more request values) has been received from the users. Ifa determination is made that value has been received from the users, thereceived values may be associated with a joint fund at block 1210. Theusers may then be notified of a status of the joint fund at block 1212.If a determination is made at decision block 1208 that the value has notbeen received from the users, the users may be notified regardingfailure to receive value from the users at block 1214. Upon completionof the operations at block 1212 or block 1214, the method 1200 mayproceed to decision block 1216.

At decision block 1216, a determination may be made as to whether afurther request for value may be requested from one or more of theusers. If a further requested is to be made, the method 1200 may returnto block 1206. If a further request is not to be made, the method 1200may terminate.

In an example embodiment, once the joint fund is established, users mayfurther contribute further value to the joint fund.

Referring to FIG. 13, a method 1300 for processing an order requestaccording to an example embodiment is illustrated. In an exampleembodiment, the method 1300 may be performed at block 722 (see FIG. 7).

An order request may be received at block 1302. The order request may beto purchase an item by a single user of the shopping session or by aplurality of users associated with the shopping session.

Non-order content may optionally be provided at block 1304. For example,the non-order content may be provided to all users that are notassociated with the primary account, responsible for payment based onthe payment allocation, and/or did not contribute to a joint fund forthe shopping session. The non-order content may include a screenadvising the non-ordering users to wait while the order is beingcompleted, additional screens available for browsing, or the like.

Order content may be provided at block 1306. For example, the ordercontent may be provided to all users that are associated with theprimary account, responsible for payment based on the paymentallocation, and/or contributed value to a joint fund for the shoppingsession. The order content may include information used by one or moreusers to complete an order (e.g., for a purchase of one or morefixed-price items and/or a bid for purchase of one or more itemsavailable via auction). It should be appreciated that the operations atblock 1304 and 1306 may occur simultaneously or in any order.

Order information may be received at block 1308 from the users inresponse to the order content provided at block 1308. For example, theorder information may complete information requested by the ordercontent.

At decision block 1312, a determination may be made as to whether orderinformation received is complete. If the requested order information isnot complete, a determination may be made at decision block 1312 whetherto continue processing the order request. If a determination is made atdecision block 1312 to continue with the order request, the method 1300may return to block 1306. If the determination is made at decision block1312 not to continue with the order request, the method 1300 mayterminate (e.g., the order request may be cancelled).

If the order information is complete at decision block 1310, thecompleted order information may be processed at block 1318. For example,the completed order information may include an amount due for the itemsassociated with the shopping session. An example embodiment ofprocessing the completed order information is described in greaterdetail below. Upon completion of the operations at block 1318, themethod 1300 may terminate.

In an example embodiment, the order content provided at block 1306 maybe provided to a user of the shopping session that has elected topurchase one or more items discovered during the shopping sessionindividually. The content provided to other users at block 1304 of theshopping session may then include order content and/or non-order contentfor purchasing one or more items during the collaborative shoppingsession.

Referring to FIG. 14, a method 1400 for processing the completed orderinformation according to an example embodiment is illustrated. In anexample embodiment, the method 1400 may be performed at block 1314 (seeFIG. 13) and/or by the funding application 236 (see FIG. 2).

A value due may be accessed at block 1402. For example, the value duemay an amount due from a collaborative session or other amount due(e.g., rent due for an apartment).

A funding specification may be accessed at block 1404. For example, thefunding specification may be defined during the operations of the method1100 (see FIG. 11). The funding specification defines one or morepayment sources and/or priority for providing value for a shoppingsession or other payment due.

A determination may be made at decision block 1406 as to whether valuewill be received from a joint fund. If value is received from a jointfund, the payment may be processed from the joint fund at block 1408.For example, the payment may cover an entire portion or a partialportion of the value due. If a determination is made that value will notbe received from the joint fund at decision block 1406 or uponcompletion of the operations at block 1408, the method 1400 may proceedto decision block 1410.

At decision block 1410, a determination may be made as to whether valuewill be received from users according to a payment allocation. If valueis received from users according to a payment allocation, payment may beprocessed according to the payment allocation at block 1412. If adetermination is made that value will not be received from usersaccording to the payment allocation at decision block 1410 or uponcompletion of the operations at block 1412, the method 1400 may proceedto decision block 1414.

A determination may be made at decision block 1414 as to whether valuewill be received from a primary account. If value is received from theprimary account, payment may be processed from the primary account atblock 1416. If a determination is made that value will not be receivedfrom the primary account at decision block 1414 or upon completion ofthe operations at block 1416, the method 1400 may proceed to decisionblock 1418.

At decision block 1418, a determination may be made as to whether thevalue due (e.g., for a selection of value) has been met by one or morepayments. If the value due has been satisfied, the order may beprocessed to facilitate a purchase and/or a bid (e.g., of one or moreitems). If the value dues has not been met at decision block 1418 orupon completion of the operations at block 1420, the method 1400 mayproceed to decision block 1422.

A determination may be made at decision block 1422 as to whether valueremains in the joint fund. If value remains in the joint fund, adetermination may be made at decision block 1424 as to whether the jointfund should be distributed. If a determination is made that the jointfund should be distributed, the value remaining in the joint fund may bedistributed at block 1426. If a determination is made that the jointfund should not be distributed (e.g., the joint fund may be retained fora future shopping session) at decision block 1424, that there is novalue remaining in the joint fund at decision block 1422, or uponcompletion of the operations at block 1426, the method 1400 mayterminated.

In an example embodiment, the operations at decision block 1422,decision block 1424, and block 1426 may be skipped after completion theoperations at decision block 1418 or block 1420.

Referring to FIG. 15, a method 1500 for conducting a side session (e.g.,a side shopping session) according to an example embodiment isillustrated. In an example embodiment, the method 1500 may be performedat block 518 (see FIG. 5).

A side session may be initiated at block 1502. For example, initiationof the side session may include providing a user of the side session anadditional interface and/or a portion of an existing interface in whichuser activity of the user may not be shared with other users of theplurality of users.

A merge criterion may be accessed for the collaborative session at block1504. For example, the merge criterion may be defined for thecollaborative session at block 502 (see FIG. 5).

At decision block 1506, a determination may be made as to whether abrowsing request has been received. If a browsing request has beenreceived, the browsing request may be processed at block 1508. In anexample embodiment, the operations at block 1508 may include theoperations performed at the block 606 (see FIG. 6). If a browsingrequest has not been received at decision block 1506 or upon completionof the operations at block 1508, the method 1500 may proceed to decisionblock 1510.

A determination may be made at decision block 1510 whether to terminatethe side session. If the side session is to continue, the method 1500may return to decision block 1506. If the side session is to terminateat decision block 1510, the method 1500 may proceed to decision block1512.

At decision block 1512, a determination may be made as to whether amerge criterion is met. The merge criterion may be used to determinewhether the side session of the user may be merged with thecollaborative session. For example, the merge criterion may be that auser of the side session has requested a merge, the user of the sidesession has requested a merge and the merge has been approved by some(or all) of the participants of the collaborative session, currentcontent of the side session is related to the current content of thecollaborative session, the current content of the side session isrelated to an area of interest of the collaborative session, and thelike

If the merge criterion is met, the side session and the collaborativesession may be merged at block 1516. For example, the content of theside session may supplant the content of the collaborative sessionduring a merge. If the merge criterion is not met at decision block1512, the side session may terminate at block 1514. Upon completion ofthe operations at block 1514 or block 1516, the method 1500 mayterminate.

In an example embodiment, a user may identify content while engaged inthe side session and identified through browsing requests that the userseeks to share with the other participants of the collaborative session.If the user seeks to share the identified content with the otherparticipants, the method 1500 may proceed to decision block 1512 todetermine whether merge criterion is met. If the user does not seek toshare the identified content, the method 1500 may terminate after adetermination is made to terminate the side session at decision block1510.

Referring to FIG. 16, a method 1600 for conducting a private session(e.g., a private shopping session) according to an example embodiment isillustrated. In an example embodiment, the method 1600 may be performedat block 410 (see FIG. 4) and/or by the shopping session application 234(see FIG. 2).

A private session (e.g., a private shopping session) may be initiated atblock 1602. A private session includes a session for one or more usersin which each of the users of the private session have special access toitems (e.g., access to items not otherwise available) or access to itemsat a special price (e.g., discounted or free), and the like.

One or more completion criterion may be specified for the privatesession at block 1604. For example, the completion criterion may includepurchase (e.g., at a value paid by the user and/or a fair market valueof the items) of a predetermined number of items during the session,purchase of a select item during the session, purchases of one or moreitems totaling a certain value during the session, expiration of aperiod of time for the session, a specified time, and the like.

A number of participants (e.g., users selected for participation) may beassociated with the private session at block 1606. For example, thenumber of participants may be selected for association based on pasthistory within the networked system 102, one or more sellers within thenetworked system 102, purchase of one or more items within the networkedsystem 102, the status of the participants (e.g., as a celebrityattending an event for which the celebrity obtains one or more freeitems), and the like. In an example embodiment, the participantsparticipate privately and not collaboratively during the privatesession.

Private session parameters may be designated for the private session atblock 1608. For example, the private session parameters may includedesignating credit available for participants of the private session,designating areas available during the private session, designatingitems available for purchase during the private session, designatingseller for the private session, designating stores for the privatesession, designating pricing for the private session, and the like. Anexample embodiment of designating the private session parameters isdescribed in greater detail below.

One or more user interactions may be processed at block 1610. In anexample embodiment, the operations at block 514 (see FIG. 5) may beperformed at block 1610. For example, communications, cursor movementrequests, indication requests, execution requests, and order requestsmay be processed for the private session at block 1610.

A determination may be made at block 1612 as to whether completioncriterion has been satisfied for a participant of the private session.If the completion criterion has not been satisfied for a participant ofthe private session, the method 1600 may return to block 1610. If thecompletion criterion has been satisfied for a participant, theparticipant with the satisfied completion criterion may be removed fromthe private session at block 1614.

A determination may be made at decision block 1616 as to whether one ormore participants remain with the private session. If participantsremain with the private session, the method 1600 may return to block1610. If no participants remain at decision block 1616, the method 1600may terminate.

Referring to FIG. 17, a method 1700 for designating session parametersaccording to an example embodiment is illustrated. In an exampleembodiment, the method 1700 may be performed at block 1608 (see FIG.16).

One or more private session parameter selections may be accessed (e.g.,from a user) at block 1702.

A determination may be made at decision block 1704 as to whether creditmay be designated. For example, the credit may include an accumulatedvalue available (e.g., a same credit or a different credit) to each ofthe number of participants of the private shopping session. If credit isto be designated, the credit may be designated for participants of thesession at block 1706. If a determination is made not to designatecredit at decision block 1704 or upon completion of the operations atblock 1706, the method 1700 may proceed to decision block 1708.

At decision block 1708, a determination may be made whether to designatean area. If areas are to be designated, the areas for the session may bedesignated at block 1710. For example, one or more areas of a site inwhich to shop during the private session may be designated at block1710. If a determination is made not to designate the one or more areasat decision block 1708 or upon completion of the operations at 1710, themethod 1700 may proceed to decision block 1712.

A determination may be made at decision block 1712 as to whether one ormore items may be designated. If one or more items are to be designated,one or more items may be designated for the session at block 1714. Forexample, one or more items may be designated as being available forpurchase during the private session. If a determination is made not todesignate one or more items at decision block 1712 or upon completion ofthe operations at block 1714, the method 1700 may proceed to decisionblock 1716.

At decision block 1716, a determination may be made whether to designateone or more sellers. If one or more sellers are to be designated, one ormore sellers may be designated for the session at block 1718. Forexample, one or more sellers that have made an item available forpurchase during the private session may be designated at block 1718. Ifa determination is made not to designate one or more sellers at decisionblock 1716 or upon completion of the operations at block 1718, themethod 1700 may proceed to decision block 1720.

A determination may be made at decision block 1720 whether to designateone or more stores. If one or more stores are to be designated, one ormore stores may be designated for the session at block 1722. Forexample, one or more stores may have one or more items available forpurchase during the private shopping session. If a determination is madenot to designate one or more stores at decision block 1720 or uponcompletion of the operations at block 1722, the method 1700 may proceedto decision block 1724.

At decision block 1724, a determination may be made whether to designatepricing for the private session. If pricing is to be designated, thepricing may be designated for the private session at block 1726. Forexample, special pricing (e.g., at a discount or free) for an item maybe designated at block 1726. If a determination is made that pricing isnot to be designated at decision block 1724 or upon completion of theoperations at block 1726, the method 1700 may proceed to decision block1728.

A determination may be made at decision block 1728 whether there arefurther selections for access. If there are further selections foraccess, the method 1700 may return to block 1702. If there are nofurther selections, the method 1700 may terminate.

Referring to FIG. 18, a method 1800 for conducting a collaborativesession according to an example embodiment is illustrated. In an exampleembodiment, the method 1800 may be performed at block 406 (see FIG. 4)and/or by the shopping session application 234 (see FIG. 2).

A collaborative session (e.g., a collaborative shopping session) may beinitiated at block 1802. For example, the collaborative session mayinclude multiple participants interacting on a common interface.

A primary participant for the collaborative session may be selected atblock 1804. For example, the primary participant may include a sponsorof a collaborative session, a user responsible for payment of any itemspurchased during the collaborative session, a user performing ademonstration for another user, a parent, a celebrity, and the like.

A completion criterion may be designated at block 1806. For example, thecompletion criterion may include a purchase (e.g., at a value paid bythe user and/or a fair market value of the items) of a predeterminednumber of items during the session, purchase of a select item during thesession, purchases of one or more items totaling a certain value duringthe session, expiration of a period of time for the session, a specifiedtime, and the like.

One or more secondary participants may be selected at block 1808. Forexample, the secondary participant may include a sponsored user of acollaborative session, a user not responsible for payment of any itemspurchased during the collaborative session, a user receiving ademonstration from another user, a child, a fan of a celebrity, and thelike.

A number of user interactions (e.g., from the primary participant and/orthe secondary participant) may be processed at block 1810. In an exampleembodiment, the operations at block 514 (see FIG. 4) may be performed atblock 1810. For example, communications, cursor movement requests,indication requests, execution requests, and order requests may beprocessed for the private session at block 1810.

A determination may be made at decision block 1812 as to whether thecompletion criterion has been satisfied. If the completion criteria hasnot been satisfied, the method 1800 may return to block 1810. If thecompletion criterion has been satisfied at decision block 1812, thesecondary participant may be removed from the collaborative session atblock 1814. For example, the private session may be terminated for aparticipant of the private session when the completion criterion issatisfied.

At decision block 1816, a determination may be made as to whether thereis another secondary participant. If there is another secondaryparticipant, the method 1800 may return to block 1808. If there is notanother secondary participant, the method 1800 may terminate.

Referring to FIG. 19, a method 1900 for creating a session according toan example embodiment is illustrated. In an example embodiment, themethod 1900 may be performed on the client machine 110, 112 and/or onthe third party service 130 (see FIG. 1).

A user criteria and/or one or more users may be specified for a sessionat block 1902. For example, the user criteria and/or one or more usersmay be provided to the shopping session application 234 (see FIG. 2).Session parameters may be specified for the session at block 1904. Acompletion criterion may be identified at block 1906.

Users associated with the session may be notified of the session atblock 1910. For example, the users may be provided with a passwordand/or other information to access the session. Upon completion of theoperations at block 1910, the method 1900 may terminate.

FIG. 20 shows a diagrammatic representation of machine in the exampleform of a computer system 2000 within which a set of instructions may beexecuted causing the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein. In alternative embodiments, the machineoperates as a standalone device or may be connected (e.g., networked) toother machines. In a networked deployment, the machine may operate inthe capacity of a server or a client machine in server-client networkenvironment, or as a peer machine in a peer-to-peer (or distributed)network environment. The machine may be a server computer, a clientcomputer, a personal computer (PC), a tablet PC, a set-top box (STB), aPersonal Digital Assistant (PDA), a cellular telephone, a web appliance,a network router, switch or bridge, or any machine capable of executinga set of instructions (sequential or otherwise) that specify actions tobe taken by that machine. Further, while only a single machine isillustrated, the term “machine” shall also be taken to include anycollection of machines that individually or jointly execute a set (ormultiple sets) of instructions to perform any one or more of themethodologies discussed herein.

The example computer system 2000 includes a processor 2002 (e.g., acentral processing unit (CPU) a graphics processing unit (GPU) or both),a main memory 2004 and a static memory 2006, which communicate with eachother via a bus 2008. The computer system 2000 may further include avideo display unit 2010 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or acathode ray tube (CRT)). The computer system 2000 also includes analphanumeric input device 2012 (e.g., a keyboard), a cursor controldevice 2014 (e.g., a mouse), a drive unit 2016, a signal generationdevice 2018 (e.g., a speaker) and a network interface device 2020.

The drive unit 2016 includes a machine-readable medium 2022 on which isstored one or more sets of instructions (e.g., software 2024) embodyingany one or more of the methodologies or functions described herein. Thesoftware 2024 may also reside, completely or at least partially, withinthe main memory 2004 and/or within the processor 2002 during executionthereof by the computer system 2000, the main memory 2004 and theprocessor 2002 also constituting machine-readable media.

The software 2024 may further be transmitted or received over a network2026 via the network interface device 2020.

While the machine-readable medium 2022 is shown in an example embodimentto be a single medium, the term “machine-readable medium” should betaken to include a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralizedor distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers) thatstore the one or more sets of instructions. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall also be taken to include any medium that is capable ofstoring, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by themachine and that cause the machine to perform any one or more of themethodologies of the present invention. The term “machine-readablemedium” shall accordingly be taken to include, but not be limited to,solid-state memories, optical and magnetic media, and carrier wavesignals.

While the following description has been described in terms of shoppingsessions, it will be appreciated that the collaborative, private, andside sessions may be conducted for purposes beyond shopping.

Thus, a method and system for payment funding have been described.Although the present invention has been described with reference tospecific example embodiments, it will be evident that variousmodifications and changes may be made to these embodiments withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in anillustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R.§1.72(b), requiring an abstract that will allow the reader to quicklyascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It is submitted withthe understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit thescope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing DetailedDescription, it can be seen that various features are grouped togetherin a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure.This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting anintention that the claimed embodiments require more features than areexpressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claimsreflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of asingle disclosed embodiment. Thus the following claims are herebyincorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing onits own as a separate embodiment.

1. A method comprising: associating a plurality of users with acollaborative shopping session, the collaborative shopping sessionincluding sharing of a common interface for shopping by the plurality ofusers; receiving a cursor movement request from at least two users ofthe plurality of users during a time period to move a cursor on thecommon interface during the collaborative shopping session; moving thecursor on the common interface according to the cursor movement requestfrom a first user selected from the at least two users who has satisfiedat least one movement criterion; selecting an item on the commoninterface identified through movement of the cursor; receiving an orderrequest for the item during the collaborative shopping session; andprocessing the order request for the item.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein the movement criterion is selected from a group of movementcriteria consisting of: selecting at least one of a highest authoritylevel, a last user to have a cursor movement processed if the at leasttwo users have a same authority level, or control designated from asecond user of the at least two users if the at least two users have asame authority level and neither user is the last user to have thecursor movement processed.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein associatinga plurality of users with a collaborative shopping session furthercomprises: assigning authority levels to the plurality of users.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: receiving a communication arisingfrom a source user among the plurality of users; and delivering thecommunication to a target user among the plurality of users.
 5. A methodcomprising: associating a plurality of users with a collaborativesession, the collaborative session including sharing of a commoninterface for interaction between the plurality of users; receiving acursor movement request from at least two users of the plurality ofusers during a time period, the cursor movement request to move a cursorof each of the at least two users on the common interface during thecollaborative shopping session; distinguishing the cursor of the atleast two users on the common interface during the time period; andmoving the cursor of each of the at least two users on the commoninterface during the time period according to the cursor movementrequest.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein distinguishing the cursor ofthe at least two users on the common interface during the time periodcomprises: changing at least one cursor of the at least two users to atleast one of a different size cursor, a different color cursor, or anicon from the cursor of other users during the time period.
 7. A methodcomprising: associating a plurality of users with a collaborativeshopping session, the collaborative shopping session including sharingof a common interface for shopping by the plurality of users;designating a primary account as being ultimately responsible forproviding value in exchange for an item purchased with an order requestduring the collaborative shopping session, the primary accountassociated with at least one of the plurality of users; receiving theorder request for the item; and processing the order request for theitem against the account.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein processingthe order request for the item against the account comprises: providingorder content for the order request to one or more users associated withthe designated user account; receiving order information for the orderrequest in response to the order content; and processing the orderrequest against the user account when the order information is complete.9. The method of claim 8, wherein processing the order request againstthe user account when the order information is complete comprises:accessing a payment allocation for the collaborative session, thepayment allocation an allocation of an amount of value to be providedfor the item purchased by one or more designated users among theplurality of users during the collaborative shopping session; chargingthe user account for the designated users of the item in accordance withthe payment allocation; and facilitating purchase of the item of theorder request.
 10. The method of claim 8, wherein processing the orderrequest when the order information is complete comprises: designating apayment allocation for the collaborative shopping session, the paymentallocation including a percentage of value to be provided by designatedusers for an item purchased during the collaborative session, thedesignated users selected from among the plurality of users; subtractingthe percentage of value from the designated users according to an orderrequest for an item; and processing the order request for the item. 11.The method of claim 10, wherein the payment allocation is selected froma group of portions consisting of: an equal portion from the designatedusers, an equal portion from the plurality of users of the collaborativeshopping session, an entire portion from a primary account, or differingportions from the designated users based on financial resources of thedesignated users.
 12. The method of claim 7, designating a primaryaccount as being ultimately responsible for providing value comprises:designating a joint account as the primary account, the joint accountassociated with more than one user of the plurality of users.
 13. Themethod of claim 7, further comprising: receiving a request for anindication from a requesting user of the plurality of users of thecollaborative shopping session, the indication request a request by therequesting user to make the indication on the common interface of acollaborative shopping session, the indication consisting of at leastone of a marking, a notation, or a selection; and processing the requestfor the indication using the common interface.
 14. The method of claim13, further comprising: receiving a request for a session record of thecollaborative shopping session, the session record including a locationof past area visited within the networked system during thecollaborative shopping session; and providing the location of the pastarea on at least one of the common interface or an individual interface.15. The method of claim 7, further comprising: conducting a sideshopping session with a user of the plurality of users during thecollaborative shopping session, the collaborative shopping sessioncontinuing to operate for the plurality of users during operation of theside shopping session for the user.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinconducting a side shopping session during the collaborative shoppingsession comprises: providing a user of a side shopping session with atleast one of an additional interface or a portion of an existinginterface in which user activity of the user may not be shared withother users of the plurality of users; accessing a merge criterion forthe collaborative shopping session; processing one or more browsingrequests of the user on the at least one of the additional interface orthe portion of the existing interface during the side shopping session;and merging the side shopping session with the collaborative shoppingsession for the plurality of users when the merge criterion is met. 17.The method of claim 16, wherein accessing a merge criterion for thecollaborative shopping session comprises accessing at least one mergeinitiating act consisting of a determination of one or more of thefollowing conditions: a user of the side shopping session has requesteda merge, the user of the side shopping session has requested the mergeand the merge has been approved by at least some of the plurality ofusers of the collaborative session, current content of the side shoppingsession is related to the current content of the collaborative shoppingsession, or the current content of the side shopping session is relatedto an area of interest of the collaborative shopping session.
 18. Amethod comprising: associating a participant with a private shoppingsession, the private shopping session including a session in which theparticipant has at least one of special access to an item or access tothe item at a special price; designating a completion criterion for theprivate shopping session; designating a private session parameter forthe private shopping session; processing a number of user interactionsfrom the participant; and terminating the private shopping session forthe participant when the completion criterion is satisfied.
 19. Themethod of claim 18, wherein designating a completion criterion for theprivate shopping session comprises selecting one or more designatingacts from the group of acts consisting of: purchasing a predeterminednumber of items during the private shopping session, purchasing a selectitem during the private shopping session, purchasing of one or moreitems totaling a certain value during the private shopping session,determining expiration of a period of time for the private shoppingsession, or determining a specified time for the private shoppingsession.
 20. The method of claim 19, wherein designating a privatesession parameter comprises selecting one or more private sessionparameters from a group of private session parameters consisting of:credit for each of the number of participants of the private shoppingsession, an area of a site in which to shop during the private shoppingsession, an item available for purchase during the private shoppingsession, a seller that has made the item available for purchase duringthe private shopping session, a store in which the item is available forpurchase during the private shopping session, or special pricing for anitem during the private shopping session.
 21. A method comprising:selecting a primary participant for a collaborative shopping session,the collaborative shopping session including sharing of a commoninterface for shopping by a plurality of users; designating a completioncriteria for the collaborative shopping session; associating a secondaryparticipant with the collaborative shopping session; processing a numberof user interactions from at least one of the primary participant or thesecondary participant; and removing the secondary participant from thecollaborative shopping session when completion criterion is satisfied.22. The method of claim 21, wherein designating a completion criterionfor the collaborative shopping session comprises selecting one or moredesignating acts from the group of acts consisting of: purchasing apredetermined number of items during the collaborative shopping session,purchasing a select item during the collaborative shopping session,purchasing of one or more items totaling a certain value during thecollaborative shopping session, determining expiration of a period oftime for the collaborative shopping session, or determining a specifiedtime for the collaborative shopping session.
 23. The method of claim 21,wherein selecting a primary participant for a collaborative shoppingsession further comprises: selecting at least one of a sponsor of thecollaborative shopping session, a user responsible for payment of anyitems purchased during the collaborative shopping session, a userperforming a demonstration for another user during the collaborativeshopping session, a parent, or a celebrity as the primary participant.24. The method of claim 23, wherein associating a secondary participantwith the collaborative shopping session further comprises: selecting atleast one of a sponsored user of the collaborative shopping session, auser not responsible for payment of any items purchased during thecollaborative shopping session, the another user receiving thedemonstration from the user, a child of the parent, or a fan of thecelebrity as the secondary participant.
 25. An apparatus comprising:means for associating a plurality of users with a collaborative shoppingsession, the collaborative shopping session including sharing of acommon interface for shopping by the plurality of users; means forreceiving a cursor movement request from at least two users of theplurality of users during a time period to move a cursor on the commoninterface during the collaborative shopping session; means for movingthe cursor on the common interface according to the cursor movementrequest from a first user selected from the at least two users who hassatisfied at least one movement criterion; means for selecting an itemon the common interface identified through movement of the cursor; meansfor receiving an order request for the item during the collaborativeshopping session; and means for processing the order request for theitem.
 26. The apparatus of claim 25, further comprising: means forreceiving a communication arising from a source user among the pluralityof users; and means for delivering the communication to a target useramong the plurality of users.
 27. A machine-readable medium comprisinginstructions, which when executed by a machine, cause the machine to:associate a plurality of users with a collaborative shopping session,the collaborative shopping session including sharing of a commoninterface for shopping by the plurality of users; designate a primaryaccount as being ultimately responsible for providing value in exchangefor an item purchased with an order request during the collaborativeshopping session, the primary account associated with at least one ofthe plurality of users; receive the order request for the item; andprocess the order request for the item against the account.
 28. Themachine-readable medium of claim 27, wherein causing the machine toprocess the order request for the item causes the machine to: provideorder content for the order request to one or more users associated withthe designated user account; receive order information for the orderrequest in response to the order content; and process the order requestagainst the user account when the order information is complete.
 29. Themachine-readable medium of claim 28, wherein causing the machine toprocess the order request against the user account when the orderinformation is complete causes the machine to: access a paymentallocation for the collaborative session, the payment allocation anallocation of an amount of value to be provided for the item purchasedby one or more designated users among the plurality of users during thecollaborative shopping session; charge the user account for thedesignated users of the item in accordance with the payment allocation;and facilitate purchase of the item of the order request.
 30. Amachine-readable medium comprising instructions, which when executed bya machine, cause the machine to: associate a participant with a privateshopping session, the private shopping session including a session inwhich the participant has at least one of special access to an item oraccess to the item at a special price; designate a completion criterionfor the private shopping session; designate a private session parameterfor the private shopping session; process a number of user interactionsfrom the participant; and terminate the private shopping session for theparticipant when the completion criterion is satisfied.
 31. A systemcomprising: a database, the database comprising a plurality of useraccounts, the plurality of user accounts each associated with at leastone of a plurality of users; an application server; and an applicationoperating within the application server and configured to: associate theplurality of users with a collaborative shopping session, thecollaborative shopping session including sharing of a common interfacefor shopping by the plurality of users, designate a selected useraccount from among the plurality of user accounts as responsible forproviding value in exchange for an item purchased with an order requestduring the collaborative shopping session, receive the order request forthe item, and process the order request of the item against the useraccount.